Helping Hand, An Extended Hand To Assist The Handicapped In Caregiving

ABSTRACT

The present invention is an apparatus which extends the reach of a user during the process of cleaning after the use of the bathroom. The cleaning hand portion of the invention is covered in cleaning paper (or toilet paper) and held in position, thereby allowing the user to wipe or clean after defecation. The invention further provides extended reach through the use of a shaft, connected to said cleaning hand.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to an apparatus for bathroom hygiene. More specifically, the present invention is an apparatus for extending the reach of a user to assist in the process of cleaning with cleaning paper after bathroom use.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Bathroom use in some form is common to everyone. Some bathroom users are limited in their ability to clean themselves after defecating due to a multitude of reasons such as disability, age, or weight.

When an individual is unable to clean themselves after bathroom use, they require help. This help can be in the form of a caregiver at significant expense or from a companion, leading to embarrassment and a lack of privacy. In some cases, the need for help can limit an individual's ability to live or travel independently. Further, if the individual is unable to maintain proper cleaning, serious health issues can arise.

The present invention will provide users with a portable apparatus that helps a user clean themself after defecation. The present invention thereby saves the user the cost of a caregiver, while preventing embarrassment, and allowing the user greater independence and health.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a front side view of the preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a cross sectional front side view of the preferred embodiment of the present invention where the clamps are disengaged in the open position.

FIG. 4 is a cross sectional front side view of the preferred embodiment of the present invention where the clamps are engaged in the closed position.

FIG. 5 is a top side view of the preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a bottom side view of the preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the present invention where a portion of cleaning paper is clamped in position.

DETAIL DESCRIPTIONS OF THE INVENTION

All illustrations of the drawings are for the purpose of describing selected versions of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.

The present invention is an apparatus with an extended reach, that clamps and holds cleaning paper (or toilet paper). A user may then use the apparatus with the cleaning paper to clean themselves after defecating.

Alternately, a user may use the present invention to clean another individual after that individual has defecated, thereby allowing the user increased ease, improved hygiene, and minimizing embarrassment.

The present invention is comprised of a cleaning hand 1, a shaft 2, and a handle 3. The shaft 2 is further comprised of two ends, a first end 4 and a second end 5. Said first end 4 is connected to the cleaning hand 1, through any suitable means of connection, such as press fitting, adhesive, or a threaded connection. Said second end 5 is connected to the handle 3 through any suitable means of connection.

The shaft 2 serves the function of extending and positioning the cleaning hand 1 at a distance away from the handle 3, thereby increasing the reach of a user. The shaft 2 is created from a strong rigid material such as steel, aluminum, fiberglass, or strong plastic. The shaft 2 may have any profile, such as square, or round. Further, the shaft 2 may be hollow or solid. In the preferred embodiment the shaft 2 is hollow, having an internal channel 6 running along its length.

The handle 3 gives a location for a user to grip and position the apparatus, thereby enabling a user control over the position and orientation of the apparatus.

The cleaning hand 1 serves the function of holding and positioning cleaning paper 7 (or toilet paper) while the cleaning paper 7 is used to wipe and clean a user. Cleaning paper 7 maybe held by the cleaning hand 1 using any suitable means, some examples being wrapping, clipping, or clamping the cleaning paper 7 to the cleaning hand 1. Wrapping the cleaning paper 7 to the cleaning hand 1 is accomplished by wrapping the paper around the cleaning hand 1 in several layers and allowing the friction between the layers to hold the cleaning paper 7 in place.

Clipping the cleaning paper 7 to the cleaning hand 1 requires a clip, which is a device which is manually opened and closed. The clip is opened, the cleaning paper 7 is loaded into the clip, and the clip is closed, holding the paper in place.

Clamping the cleaning paper 7 to the cleaning hand 1 requires a clamp, which is a device which is opened and closed using a control means such as a trigger or electric switch. The clamp is opened, the cleaning paper 7 is loaded into the clamp, and the clamp is closed, holding the paper in place.

The cleaning hand 1 can take many forms and is not limited in shape, in the preferred embodiment the cleaning hand 1 follows the shape of a human hand. Said cleaning hand 1 is molded as a single piece from a semi-flexible & durable material such as rubber or plastic. Further said cleaning hand 1 is molded with an internal cavity 8, so that the cleaning hand 1 is hollow.

The cleaning hand 1 of the preferred embodiment, being shaped similar to a human hand is further comprised of a palm 9, a set of fingers 10, and a thumb 11. The palm 9 being connected to the shaft 2. The fingers 10, thumb 11, and palm 9 are molded as a single piece. The fingers 10 are molded so they extend upwards from one side of the palm 9, opposite the connection with the shaft 2. The thumb 11 is molded on the top side of the palm 9. Together the palm 9, fingers 10, and thumb 11 create the general shape of a cupped human hand which is the hand position generally used in the process of wiping or cleaning after bathroom use.

The cleaning hand 1 of the preferred embodiment is further comprised of an interior paper clamp 12, an exterior paper clamp 14, a first trigger wire 15, and a second trigger wire 16.

The interior paper clamp 12 is mounted onto or within the fingers 10 on the side of the fingers 10 facing the palm 9. The exterior paper clamp 14 is mounted onto or within the fingers 10 on the side of the fingers 10 facing away from the palm 9.

The first trigger wire 15 and second trigger wire 16 are both created from a stiff wire material, such as steel, or aluminum. The first trigger wire 15 is further comprised of two ends, a first end 17 and a second end 18. Further, the second trigger wire 16 is further comprised of two ends, a first end 19 and a second end 20.

The first end 17 of the first trigger wire 15 is attached to the exterior paper clamp 14. The first end 19 of the second trigger wire 16 is attached to the interior paper clamp 12.

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 the first trigger wire 15 and second trigger wire 16 are attached to the interior paper clamp 12 and exterior paper clamp 14 using a means so that when said trigger wires are pulled tight in tension, the clamps engage and close, giving the clamps the means to hold a portion of cleaning paper 7. Further, when said trigger wires are relaxed and the tension is released, the clamps disengage and open, releasing the hold on the cleaning paper 7.

Said trigger wires run from their corresponding clamp, through the internal cavity 8 of the cleaning hand 1, through the connection between the cleaning hand 1 and the shaft 2, and into the internal channel 6 of the shaft 2.

In the preferred embodiment the shaft 2 is further comprised of a trigger mechanism 21. Said trigger mechanism 21 is further comprised of a trigger lever 22, a trigger opening 23, a pivot slot 24, and a pin 25.

The pivot slot 24 is located inside shaft 2 on the bottom side of the internal channel 6. Said pivot slot 24, accepts the trigger lever 22 inside of the slot and is pinned in place with a pin 25, thereby constraining the trigger lever 22 so it can only rotate around said pin 25. The trigger lever 22 and pivot slot 24 are positioned so that as the trigger lever 22 rotates it moves forwards and backwards along the long axis of the shaft 2.

The trigger lever 22 extends upward from the pivot slot 24 and through the trigger opening 23 which is an opening positioned on the top side of the shaft 2. The trigger opening 23 allows the trigger lever 22 to exit the shaft 2, therefore allowing a user access to the trigger lever 22 and the ability to slide the trigger lever 22 backwards and forwards.

In the preferred embodiment the trigger mechanism 21 is located in a close proximity to the handle 3, so that a user may operate the trigger mechanism 21 while holding the handle 3 and operating the invention.

The first trigger wire 15 and the second trigger wire 16 being extended from the hand 1 into the internal channel 6, extend to the trigger lever 22. The second end 18 of the first trigger wire 15 and the second end 20 of the second trigger wire 16 are attached to the trigger level 22. Said trigger wires are attached to the trigger lever 22 using a suitable means so that when the trigger lever 22 is rotated backwards towards the handle 3 the trigger wires are pulled in tension and when the trigger lever 22 is released or moved forward towards the hand 1 the tension is released.

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 in the preferred embodiment, when the trigger lever 22 is rotated backwards towards the handle 3, the first trigger wire 15 and second trigger wire 16 are tightened into tension. The tension on the first trigger wire 15 transfers to the exterior paper clamp 14, engaging and closing said clamp. The tension on the second trigger wire 16 transfers to the interior paper clamp 12, engaging and closing said clamp. Therefore, when the trigger lever 22 is rotated back the clamps engage and when the trigger lever 22 is rotated forward the clamps disengage.

Using the preferred embodiment of the present invention as shown in FIG. 7 , a user would take a portion of cleaning paper 7 (or toilet paper) and position one end of the cleaning paper 7 into the interior paper clamp 12. The user would then wrap the cleaning paper 7 over top of the fingers 10 and position the opposite end of the cleaning paper 7 to the exterior paper clamp 14. The user would then rotate back the trigger lever 22 therefore engaging and closing the clamps and securing the cleaning paper 7 in place. The cleaning paper 7 is now held secure over top of and covering the fingers 10.

The user could then use the cleaning paper 7 to clean themself after a bathroom use. During the cleaning process, the user would continue to hold the trigger lever 22 in the engaged position. After completing the cleaning process, the user would disengage the trigger lever 22, releasing the clamps. The user may then tip the apparatus and allow the used cleaning paper 7 to be discarded in the proper location.

Further exemplary embodiments of the present invention may include different cleaning hand 1 sizes, such as small, medium, or large.

Other exemplary embodiments may have the cleaning hand 1 created from an extremely soft and flexible material, such as a latex rubber filled with gelled corn syrup.

Alternate embodiments may have the cleaning hand 1 in various forms, including but not limited to a sponge and various shapes such as a ball or a wedge.

Other embodiments may have interchangeable cleaning hands 1, so that the cleaning hand 1 may be removed from the shaft 2 and replaced with a different or the same cleaning hand 1. Interchanging hands 1 would allow the same apparatus to serve different functions, or to allow for easier cleaning. Some embodiments of the interchangeable cleaning hands 1 may be intended to be single use, or disposable. Further embodiments with interchangeable cleaning hands 1, may use a trigger mechanism 21 to attach and release said interchangeable hands 1.

In the preferred embodiment the shaft 2 has a length of approximately 15 inches. In other embodiments the shaft length can vary depending on the amount of reach desired. In further exemplary embodiments the shaft 2 can be collapsible or telescoping, so that the shaft 2 is able to be extended, and collapsed. This allows the invention to be more portable and more easily carried in a bag.

Other exemplary embodiments may be designed with a cleaning hand 1 shaped to hold other personal cleaning items, such as but not limited to a wet wipes, or a sponge. These embodiments would allow a user more options for cleaning after bathroom use, and could further allow the apparatus to be utilized in the shower and other personal cleaning acts were an extended reach would be helpful.

In other embodiments the trigger location maybe moved to any location on apparatus.

Alternate embodiments may have the trigger mechanism 21 be further comprised of a locking mechanism, to lock the trigger lever 22 and the clamps in the engaged or closed position.

Further in other embodiments, the trigger mechanism 21 could be comprised of an electronic system, whereby a switch is used to engage and disengage the paper clamps.

Alternate embodiments may not have a trigger mechanism 21 or clamps. Instead, the cleaning hand 1 is further comprised of a set of clips, which are manually opened and closed. The clips would be manually opened, the cleaning paper 7 loaded, and the clips manually closed.

In addition to the extended reach apparatus, the present invention is further comprised of disposable cleaning papers that are designed to function with the extended reach apparatus. Said disposable cleaning papers can take many shapes including but not limited to a cover or a glove shape. The general shape of the disposable wipe would match the general shape of the cleaning hand 1. Said cleaning wipe could be placed over top of the cleaning hand 1 and the shape of the cleaning wipe would hold the wipe in place over top of the cleaning hand 1 during the cleaning process.

Although the invention has been explained in relation to its preferred embodiment, it is to be understood that many other possible modifications and variations can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. 

What is claimed is:
 1. An extended reach personal cleaning apparatus comprises: a cleaning hand; and, a shaft.
 2. The extended reach personal cleaning apparatus as claimed in claim 1 comprises: a handle.
 3. The extended reach personal cleaning apparatus as claimed in claim 1 comprises: a clamp (or clamps) for holding cleaning paper.
 4. The extended reach personal cleaning apparatus as claimed in claim 3 comprises: a trigger mechanism for engaging and disengaging the clamp (or clamps) for holding cleaning paper.
 5. The extended reach personal cleaning apparatus as claimed in claim 4 comprises: the trigger mechanism is electronic.
 6. The extended reach personal cleaning apparatus as claimed in claim 1 comprises: a clip (or clips) for holding cleaning paper.
 7. The extended reach personal cleaning apparatus as claimed in claim 1 comprises: the shaft is collapsible.
 8. The extended reach personal cleaning apparatus as claimed in claim 1 comprises: the cleaning hand is interchangeable.
 9. The extended reach personal cleaning apparatus as claimed in claim 8 comprises: the interchangeable cleaning hand is disposable.
 10. The extended reach personal cleaning apparatus as claimed in claim 8 comprises: the interchangeable cleaning hand are manufactured in different predetermined sizes such as small, medium, or large.
 11. The extended reach personal cleaning apparatus as claimed in claim 1 comprises: a cover or glove shaped cleaning paper.
 12. An extended reach personal cleaning apparatus comprises: a cleaning hand; a shaft; and a clamp (or clamps) for holding cleaning paper.
 13. The extended reach personal cleaning apparatus as claimed in claim 12 comprises: a handle.
 14. The extended reach personal cleaning apparatus as claimed in claim 12 comprises: a trigger mechanism for engaging and disengaging the clamp (or clamps) for holding cleaning paper.
 15. The extended reach personal cleaning apparatus as claimed in claim 14 comprises: the trigger mechanism is electronic.
 16. The extended reach personal cleaning apparatus as claimed in claim 12 comprises: the shaft is collapsible.
 17. The extended reach personal cleaning apparatus as claimed in claim 12 comprises: the cleaning hand is interchangeable.
 18. The extended reach personal cleaning apparatus as claimed in claim 17 comprises: the interchangeable cleaning hand is disposable.
 19. The extended reach personal cleaning apparatus as claimed in claim 17 comprises: the interchangeable cleaning hand are manufactured in different predetermined sizes such as small, medium, or large.
 20. The extended reach personal cleaning apparatus as claimed in claim 12 comprises: a cover or glove shaped cleaning paper. 